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What is a TSB?

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A technical service bulletin (TSB) is an advisory issued by a manufacturer for use by dealership service departments. Most TSBs are released during the first year that a vehicle is offered or the year following a redesign, in order to address areas that might have been overlooked when designing the car.

These bulletins differ from recalls in that they are not considered safety or emissions issues and they usually apply only when your vehicle is in its warranty period (whereas a recall is "open" until the work has been performed). TSBs frequently (but not always) address a recurring problem and include illustrated instructions for repair, a list of the parts needed, the warranty status and the labor charge.

If a problem addressed in a TSB is particularly widespread, the manufacturer may decide to send out "Owner Notification" letters - in this case, the manufacturer has a good idea of which vehicles (by VIN) will experience the problem.

Service bulletin content varies in severity - you'll find TSBs that cover hard-to-start engines and clunking transmissions alongside those that offer remedies for inoperable cigarette lighters and slight paint imperfections. And some TSBs merely outline updated service procedures and troubleshooting strategies, or offer hints for installing something as simple as a front license plate holder.

And, of course, the best thing about finding a TSB that seems to cover a persistent problem in your vehicle is that dealerships will make the repair for free, provided that
  • Your vehicle is under warranty;
  • Your service advisor and/or technicians are able to confirm that the problem exists.
Rather than going into the dealer with the TSB number in hand, it is more effective to come to the dealer with a complete description of your vehicle's particular problem - what are the exact symptoms, and when and where did/do they occur. For example: Suppose you have a cold-running concern with your vehicle. Don't drive the vehicle into the dealer before work in the morning and expect technicians to be able to duplicate the problem - the vehicle will be warm. Instead, bring the vehicle into the dealer the evening before and let it sit overnight. In short, someone in the service department has to be able to duplicate the problem, and the TSB number and a brief description of the problem won't always do it.

If the technicians and your service writer seem to be having trouble resolving a problem with your vehicle and you've already given them the most complete description possible,  then you might say politely, "Someone suggested that this TSB might cover it." "Did anyone try this TSB?" A customer who makes an effort to sound intelligent (that is, provides a full description of the problem and demonstrates a history of regularly maintaining the vehicle) and to treat service writers (and technicians) with respect is more likely to find resolution for her vehicle's problems.
  

Quick Lemon Tips:

  1. Always research a vehicle before buying it.
  2. If your vehicle is defective, notify the dealer promptly.
  3. Make sure your Complaints are written down in your words by the dealer.
  4. Be sure to get a copy of the written Repair Order/Invoice for each dealer service attempt.
  5. Hire a Lemon Law Attorney. In most states, it is completely FREE

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